Shillong, Oct 6: Meghalaya’s tourism industry is bleeding after the August 19 violence, with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma admitting on Tuesday that the state saw 80-90 percent cancellations overnight.
Tourism is hit hard, the CM said, conceding that hotels, homestays, taxis, guides and restaurants have borne the brunt and thousands of youths who depend on tourist footfall have been left in distress.
In the immediate aftermath of the violence, bookings crashed and fresh enquiries dried up, dealing a body blow to what is otherwise a peak season for the state.
But Sangma said the government is now in damage-control mode and working overtime to restore confidence and reassure visitors that Meghalaya remains safe and welcoming.
Peace is non-negotiable for tourism, investment and jobs, the CM asserted, adding that early signs of recovery are visible and a major promotional push is on the cards to bring tourists back to pre-violence levels.
